THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 1996 TAG: 9606280228
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 28 lines
SUFFOLK - On a typical Fourth of July, fireworks cause more fires in the United States than all other causes combined, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Each year, fireworks accidents cause tens of millions of dollars in property damage and thousands of serious injuries, as well as some deaths. In 1995, more than 11,000 people suffered fireworks-related injuries severe enough to require treatment in hospital emergency rooms.
According to NFPA, children suffer most from amateur use of fireworks. In 1995, 59 percent of the victims of fireworks injuries were under 20. More than an eighth were under 10.
George D. Miller, NFPA president, urges parents to explain the danger of explosives and teach children that fireworks are not toys.
``The shame is that year-round, most parents make great efforts to protect their children from fire and getting burned,'' Miller said, ``but they don't realize that handing their children sparklers or shooting off fireworks in the backyard puts their children at great risk.''
The fire prevention bureau of the Suffolk Fire Department urges citizens to attend public fireworks displays by professionals.
Fire Marshal H.R. Parker reminds residents that it is illegal in Suffolk to possess, display or use any form of fireworks, including sparklers. by CNB